An NYC favorite, the famous Chopped Cheese Sandwich is a beefy, flavor packed, and oh so cheesy sandwich that always hits the spot. The beauty of this American staple sandwich is the simplicity of it. It’s got all of the right elements that make a sandwich classic, delicious, and timeless!

A sandwich is placed on a metal tray next to some chips.


Chopped Cheese Sandwich

A buttery, slightly toasted slice of bread is always the best way to start a sandwich. In a world full of healthy wraps and low-carb bread, sometimes you just need to slather a tablespoon (or two) onto a piece of bread and toast it ’til it’s golden and crispy. Then, top that bread off with some cheesy beef and onions, fresh lettuce, and juicy tomatoes. This is an indulgence that never fails to satisfy!

I’m not a city girl myself, but I am a fan of swinging into bodegas for a quick bite when I do get to visit NYC. That’s the best place to find quick, cheap, and delicious sandwiches that are straight from the griddle and made with that certain New York City flair. Seeing as I can’t stroll around Brooklyn at my leisure, I like to bring the magic of bodega sandwiches into my own kitchen from time to time.

Chopped cheese sandwiches are great for either lunch or dinner, and are a certified family favorite meal in my house! While you might have to sacrifice the tomatoes and/or lettuce for a picky eater’s plate, the cheesy, flavor-packed beef and cooked onions will still be gobbled up by any and everyone at the dinner table. Serve this cheesy sandwich with potato chips so you can enjoy it the way real New Yorkers do!

Cheese is being melted on top of beef in a skillet.

How to Make a Chopped Cheese Sandwich

Quick, easy, beefy, and cheesy. Yes, please!

  1. Melt the butter. Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium high heat.
  2. Toast the bread. Open the rolls and place in the skillet inside side down. Cook until golden and lightly toasted. Remove from the pan and set aside.
  3. Cook the onion. Melt the remaining butter in the pan and stir in the onion. Cook until slightly softened.
  4. Form the patties. Form the ground beef into four loose burger patties of equal side.
  5. Season the patties. Move the onions to the side of the pan and add the beef patties to the skillet. Season the top of each Pattie with the salt, garlic and pepper.
  6. Sear the patties. Cook the patties until a deep brown seared crust has formed and then flip the patties over. Continue to cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until seared.
  7. Cook the beef. Using a spatula, break the burger patties up and begin mixing the onions into the beef. Continue cooking until no longer pink.
  8. Assemble, and enjoy! Divide the burger mixture into four equal portions and top with two slices of cheese each. Turn the heat off and allow the cheese to melt. Transfer each portion to a roll. Top with tomato and lettuce.
A loaf of white bread is filled with lettuce, tomatoes, and cheesy beef.

Tips for the Best Chopped Cheese Sandwich

  • For even more flavor, consider sprinkling some of my favorite Homemade Hamburger Seasoning onto the patties!
  • Make sure you don’t skip the searing step! Browning the patties is a great way to add a little extra flavor before you break them apart and cook the ground meat.
  • You really could use any cheese you’d like in this recipe, but real chopped cheese sandwiches are made with sharp American cheese.
  • Beef is the most traditional ground meat to use in a chopped cheese sandwich, but you could make it better fit your diet with ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant based substitute.
Two metal trays with sandwiches and chips on them are placed next to cans of sparkling water.

Enjoy more of my most favorite beef sandwich recipes!

For more easy dinner ideas, follow us on Instagram and Facebook.

A sandwich is placed on a metal tray next to some chips.

Get the Recipe: Chopped Cheese Sandwich Recipe

A NYC classic, the Chopped Cheese Sandwich is famous in the city Bodegas and you can easily make it at home in less than 10 minutes. A great recipe for ground beef!
No ratings yet

Ingredients

  • 2 1/2 tablespoons butter
  • 4 club rolls or small hoagie rolls
  • 1 cup diced onion
  • 1/2 pounds lean ground beef
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon granulated garlic
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground pepper
  • 8 slices sharp American cheese
  • Sliced tomato
  • Chopped iceberg lettuce

Equipment

  • skillet

Instructions 

  • Melt 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium high heat.
  • Open the rolls and place in the skillet inside side down. Cook until golden and lightly toasted.
  • Remove from the pan and set aside.
  • Melt the remaining butter in the pan and stir in the onion. Cook until slightly softened.
  • Form the ground beef into four loose burger patties of equal side.
  • Move the onions to the side of the pan and add the beef patties to the skillet. Season the top of each Pattie with the salt, garlic and pepper.
  • Cook the patties until a deep brown seared crust has formed and then flip the patties over. Continue to cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until seared.
  • Using a spatula, break the burger patties up and begin mixing the onions into the beef. Continue cooking until no longer pink.
  • Divide the burger mixture into four equal portions and top with two slices of cheese each.
  • Turn the heat off and allow the cheese to melt.
  • Transfer each portion to a roll. Top with tomato and lettuce.
  • Serve immediately.

Video

YouTube video

Notes

For a more intense flavor, substitute the salt, pepper and granulated garlic with our favorite Hamburger Seasoning!
Calories: 488kcal, Carbohydrates: 38g, Protein: 26g, Fat: 26g, Saturated Fat: 13g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 7g, Trans Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 96mg, Sodium: 1400mg, Potassium: 330mg, Fiber: 2g, Sugar: 7g, Vitamin A: 618IU, Vitamin C: 3mg, Calcium: 464mg, Iron: 12mg